Manager, Travel Agency and Contracting, Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is a world-renowned leader in hospitality and entertainment and has been recognized as the top cruise line for families. Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and form genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow cast, crew, and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community.

As the Manager, Travel Agency & Contracting for Disney Cruise Line, you will play a pivotal role in leading the Travel Agency, Hotels & Resorts team, while also supporting Crew Travel and Guest Air operations. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to shape key revenue strategies, manage vendor relationships, and influence global air and hotel spend. You'll drive forward business planning, logistics, market research, and budget management, all while developing a high-performing team. If you’re passionate about creating exceptional travel experiences and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a global impact with one of the world’s most beloved brands.

The Manager, Travel Agency & Contracting will report to Sr. Mgr., Travel Management and sits in Celebration, FL.

* This is an on-site role based in Celebration, FL and relocation will not be available for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Directly manage salaried cast and provide indirect leadership to a team of 9+ professionals; support both salaried and hourly cast across multiple teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment focused on engagement and development.

• Support airline and hotel partnerships and contract management for both Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney.

• Lead strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth for Disney Cruise Line’s Guest Air and Hotel businesses.

• Oversee cost-saving strategies for Crew Air and Hotel operations.

• Manage 24/7 travel business operations, including response to escalations and urgent issues during nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to support business development and operational improvements.

• Ensure full compliance with Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) requirements for travel agencies under Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney, including oversight of reporting, data integrity, facilities, and transactions.

• Support airline partnerships and contract management for both Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney.

• Drive continuous improvement through the development and implementation of initiatives that enhance travel strategies, training, operational processes, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Provide strategic guidance on dynamic air pricing, including rules, margins, goals, and performance optimization.

• Lead communication and change management efforts for new processes, policies, and system updates across impacted areas, ensuring alignment with legal, regulatory, and business requirements.

• Manage and deliver enhancements to core technology platforms, including Seaware, Seaware Direct, Amadeus Management Center/Content Search, and Crew Management Workflow systems.

• Provide financial performance updates and insights to senior leadership on department and agency effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in the travel, cruise, hospitality, or airline industries, with expertise in travel agency operations, contract oversight, vendor relations, and cost containment.

• Demonstrated leadership in strategic planning and operational execution, including managing and supporting cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.

• Solid understanding of travel operations, including air, airline, hotel, and crew logistics, as well as related policies.

• Familiarity with revenue management, yield strategies, global logistics, and pricing/forecasting models.

• Proficiency in cruise and air reservation systems, including Seaware, Amadeus, and Workflow.

• Experience supporting technology initiatives, including gathering business requirements, conducting system testing, and supporting product launches.

• Advanced analytical and strategic thinking skills with a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization without direct authority.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and focused on accuracy, with strong interpersonal and written communication skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced expertise in Excel, including use of complex functions and data analysis tools.

• Travel may be required for this role.

• Possess a valid Passport.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8+ years of advanced experience in strategic leadership within the cruise, travel, hospitality, or airline industries, with a proven experience leading salaried direct reports and optimizing global operations.

• Familiarity with Disney Cruise Line policies, operations, and organizational structure.

• Experience managing salaried and hourly teams across multiple functions.

• Deep understanding of ARC requirements, dynamic air pricing, and airline contract management.

• Direct experience supporting enterprise-level system enhancements and business transformation initiatives.

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization and drive operational improvement.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Travel, Logistics, Finance, or Data Analytics, or related field or equivalent experience.

Preferred Education:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Travel, Logistics, Finance, or Data Analytics, or related field or equivalent experience.

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

About The Walt Disney Company

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.